Our People

Richard (Max) Melstrom, PhD

About

Max Melstrom joined the faculty at the Institute of Environmental Sustainability in 2017 with a specialty in ecological economics. He received a PhD in economics and agricultural economics from Michigan State University in 2012. Max taught at Salisbury University (2012-2014) before accepting a research and extension appointment at Oklahoma State University (2014-2017). In 2016 the Southern Agricultural Economics Association named him an emerging scholar. Max’s published work appears in Ecological Economics, Energy Economics, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Land Economics, and a number of other scholarly journals in economics and environmental science.

Research Interests

Melstrom's research addresses the economics of environmental resources on topics related to ecosystem services, conservation, fisheries and environmental regulations. Recently, his research has focused on measuring the economic effects of land use regulations to protect imperiled species, and examining different methods for valuing the environment. Working with and mentoring students in research is an important part of Melstrom’s research program. Many of his recent publications are coauthored with students.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Reviewer for Ecological Economics, Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Processes, Journal of Cultural Economics, Journal of Environmental Management, Journal of Wildlife Management, Oryx, Environments, Tourism Economics, Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education, Resource and Energy Economics, California Agriculture, International Review of Economics Education, and Water Resources Research.

Video

Interested in learning more about the Institute of Environmental Sustainability, including our Biodiesel Lab, the Aquaponics Food Production System, and the Ecodome? Check out this new video, "Slice of Life" by Jessica Peng, to see the amazing facilities available at the IES.